UNITED dominated three-quarters of their North West Counties League game on Saturday.

But during the other portion of the game - the first 26 minutes of the second half, to be exact - they went to sleep and did not wake up soon enough.

From being 1-0 ahead, they found themselves trailing 4-1, only to launch a revival and almost draw level.

Ian Wilkinson went close in the sixth minute, encouraging his side to bigger efforts after a bright start. And it paid off in the 22nd minute when Neil Harrison's cross from the left bounced awkwardly and was handled by Darren Fullard. Mark Quinn scored from the spot.

The Blues continued to press and Nick Boothby was unlucky to see his 35th-minute shot cleared off the line.

On the stroke of half-time, the home side made their first serious foray, when Danny Frost lost the ball on the half-way line and Ian Whittaker raced clear. Fortunately for United, he cleared the bar with his shot.

Whatever Padiham had in their tea at half-time worked wonders - they came out with all guns blazing.

Barry Crellin was forced to make a fingertip save after three minutes and, following a series of corners, Lee Howes prodded the ball home from close range. United had a chance to restore their lead in the 54th minute when a handled back-pass gave them a free-kick six yards from goal. With the whole Padiham team on the line, Quinn went for power, but the shot was blocked.

Padiham had better luck with an indirect free-kick on the edge of the box when Howes fed the ball up for James Gill, who found the bottom corner.

Two minutes later it was the home team's turn to score from the spot after Frost brought down Howes.

United's defences had suddenly collapsed and Whittaker took the easiest of chances on 71 minutes to leave Blues facing a three-goal deficit.

They set about bridging the gap when Ian Given was brought down inside the area. Again, Quinn did his stuff from the spot to inspire all-out attack.

Nick Boothy reduced the arrears further when he netted direct from a 25-yard free-kick and the final 10 minutes turned into a siege of the Padiham goal - but to no avail.